As you walk around town you can't help but notice a horde of people using tiny book-sized laptops. They are using them for surfing the Interwebs, typing up OO.o documents, and e-mailing clients. 'Netbooks', 'ultra-portables', 'mini-laptops', whatever you call them, they seem to be here to stay.
It all started with the Asus Eee PC, followed quick by MCI Wind, the Cloud Book, and a whole slew of other netbook offerings. Just yesterday (9/4/08) Dell released a netbook. Recently, Acer entered the fray with its Acer Aspire One models. They offer two different styles, one with XP and one with Linux Linpus, with two different color options, white and sapphire blue. Let's see if the Aspire One is the leader of the pack or if it is just another lemming.
Here are the specs of the reviewed model:
Built In Devices: Wi-fi antenna, LAN port, stereo speakers, 3 USB ports, VGA output, 1 SD slot, 15-in-1 slot, mic input, headset output, built-in mic, built-in Web cam
Width: 9.8 inches
Depth: 6.7 inches
Height: 1.1 inches
Weight: 2.19lbs (with battery), 3lbs (with cord)
Color: Sapphire Blue
Processor: Intel Atom N270, 1.6GHz
RAM: 512 MB (1.5 GB max)
Hard Disk: 8GB SSD
Display: 1024 * 600; widescreen; 18-bit color; LED backlit
GPU: Intel GMA 950; Technology 3.0
Battery: 3-cell; 3hrs (Mfr estimate)
Operating System: Linux Linpus Lite
Software: OO.o 2.3, Acer Aspire One Mail, IM-client, games, Firefox, Media Manager
Price: $324.99 (at Micro Center)
Pros:
Small design
Nice layout
Good OS
Decent Battery
Cons:
Glare
Mouse problems
Cramped Keyboard
Overall -
While there are some problems with the layout and mouse of this device, the overall usability of it prevails. If you are shopping for a netbook, give this one a test drive at your local stores.
The Body – 
When you first pull Aspire One out of the box you are captivated by the beauty of the actual casing. With rounded edges, a ocean-blue color, chrome (both red and silver) highlights, and a shiny gleam; this netbook appears sexy. Quickly, though, you will realize that fingerprints show up very noticeably and distract from the otherwise attractive casing. While this casing is nice, the gloss on it serves as a mirror which, in a well-lit room, causes light to reflect into your eyes.
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Article comments
1 - Paul Nat
the keyboard of the acer is 85%. is that bigger than the asus?
2 - Robet M. Barga
It appears as though the Asus is an 80% keyboard size. While it might not seem like a large difference, I tested both at the store and it was much, much easier to type on the acer.
3 - Carla
Are they reliable to have the office works eg. word excel powerpoint on them and still work fine? Can you upgrade them to 2GB? Can you watch dvd's on them? sorry dont know much about computers but this one looks hot
4 - Robet M. Barga
The computer is quite reliable and easy to use. I would recommend creating a bootable recovery thumb drive though, in case you mess up...
Remember, their is no microsoft office in the version I used (there is none in either, but the XP version supports it); however, there is Open office which is a free version almost identical. It can open and edit word/powerpoint/excel documents.
Ram is upgradable to 1.5gig
There is no disc drive. You can stream movies OR use an external disc drive OR use a file you already have (LEGALLY) to view movies.
anything else?
5 - the one
this netbook looks g8!
can i install a program like other big PC can?
6 - Notebooks and laptops
interesting review
7 - Remi Een
I bought an Acer Aspire One (AAO) this fall and within weeks the screen blacked out upon booting. Rather than replacing my AAO , Acer referred me to a technical repair depot. After 6 weeks still no word - then two weeks ago after calling Acer they said they would send me a new one on back order. Still no sight of it. Today when i called they said they have no idea when the back order will be filled. Just wonderful customer support - not! Wish i had bought a MacBook now.
8 - Robert M. Barga
Do you have the names and service numbers of the people who you talked to? If so, call and discuss them with the service manager
9 - Laptops
Before making such a large purchase you should always do comparisons ensuring you are getting the right product.
10 - Robert M. Barga
I agree, I either recomend using a site like Cnet or the like to evaluate the models first
11 - Harris
It's an ugly computer indeed, an online seller will even show the pics of this netbook in darker colour to hide it two rivets on top of the screen that was denting the surface of the screen's frame that made this product look so cheap like a toy from a toys shop. Cosmetically, it's ugly and look cheap. Just don't know the performance cause I don't own and would think never own it.
12 - Robert M. Barga
Um, have you actually seen one IRL? The computer is drop dead stunning and there are no actuall problems with it. Maybe the seller just damaged that one
13 - simon
Had my AA1 for 4 months now and will not be using my old laptop again.
The front end gets a little getting used to but enabling the right click menu it opens the whole thing up and makes a usable item complete.
It does everything I want a laptop to do, It runs Linux, Open office 3, Firefox.Now with a slim external DVD writer I can burn disks and watch movies.The external writer is even the same color and finish as the laptop.
OK I had the Black screen when the thing would not boot up but that was soon cured by helpful forums aspire one forum, Acer Guy and Macell.
OK So its not big and flash and fancy, its not the most powerful, but for taking anywhere it great, its light and connects easily via wireless or RJ45.
All in all a great little web book.
14 - Skylar
Indeed, I had the black screen as well, quickly fixed after browsing aspire one forum :). Always search google with computer problems before looking anywhere else..
I am going to upgrade to 1.5 gb ram from 1 gb ram right now.. You cannot upgrade to 2 gb of ram.